Lucille Beseler MS, RD, LD, CDE
Florida
Twenty two years ago I opened the first private practice dedicated to children's nutrition problems working with infants, children and teens. I have witnessed first hand the effects of childhood obesity on the health of children and their families. Programs that provide positive education on healthy eating and physical activity are commendable and necessary to help our future — "Our Kids!" Fuel up to Play 60 does that and so much more. It is very gratifying to see students enthusiastically plan and participate in activities that highlight health and eating right. I ran into some of the students from one of my high schools at the local Panera and they introduced me as "Their Dietitian" — how fun is that! The Heroes are all our Academy members who everyday with little fanfare are working hard to improve the health of our children, adults and families.
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Anne Cundiff, RD, LD
Iowa
As a Kids Eat Right Volunteer, I helped a local school use legumes in creative ways with their school lunch menu. I have also used the Kids Eat Right website in presentations to local groups looking for resources regarding nutrition and meal planning. I am now working with the Meet the Challenge! project in Iowa to help schools receive HealthierUS School Challenge awards.
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Catherine Johnston, RD
California
Collaborating with parents to empower them make better food choices for their families is an inspired idea. Direct connections with parents and families is often a missing piece of the nutrition puzzle. The RD Parent Empowerment Program takes that extra step. In addition to working with this program, I have also been working as a consultant with San Francisco Unified School District promoting their new Grab n Go breakfast program at nine high schools, which has resulted in a 40 percent increase in overall breakfast participation!
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Esther Situ, MBA, RD
California
The RD Parent Empowerment Project gives me a great platform to deliver my nutritional expertise from the school community to each student's home. I enjoyed the collaboration with the after-school coordinator, PTA and principal of the school. Together, as a team, we have made every workshop meaningful, exciting and innovative to meet the needs of the parents, one student, one change, one workshop at a time.
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Soraya Valencia, RD, LDN
Illinois
I did the RD Parent Empowerment Project last year in both English and Spanish. It was a wonderful experience for me and for the parents. They enjoyed the workshops so much that they wanted to have more classes. I loved working on this project this year as a Kids Eat Right Campaign Volunteer in a new school!
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Cassandra Vanderwall, MS, RD, LDN, CPT
Illinois
I had the privilege of serving empowered parents for the past two years as a Kids Eat Right Campaign Volunteer through the RD Parent Empowerment program in Chicago. I enjoy interacting and facilitating presentations among diverse audiences.
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Kristine Van Workum, RD, CSSD, LDN
Florida
I am honored to have been a Kids Eat Right campaign volunteer as part of the Fuel Up to Play60 and RD mini-grantee program. I not only had the opportunity to help educate school faculty and parent team members on the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity, but most importantly I helped educate kids on ways to make this fun for the entire school. Seeing the kids help further educate each other on the benefits of nutrient-rich foods, being open to trying new fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lowfat dairy products, and seeing them excited to create their own recipes and work with the staff to incorporate these foods into their school lunch program was very rewarding.
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Vermont Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Vermont
Members of Vermont Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND) had the opportunity to promote Kids Eat Right at the 5th Annual Jr. Iron Chef Vermont competition at the Champlain Valley Expo in March 2012. Jr. Iron Chef Vermont is a statewide competition for middle and high school students designed to provide hands-on experience preparing and cooking nutritious foods suitable for the school cafeteria. More than 400 students, families, school food service providers, farmers and community members came out to participate, enjoy and celebrate this local food for healthy communities event.
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Sarah Waybright, MS, RD
Washington, DC
Teaching nutrition in schools is a start, but unless the families are involved, the difference will not be made where the food hits the table, and the Kids Eat Right RD Parent Empowerment Program truly provides a crucial link between families, schools, and RDs!
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